Depending on different cultures and myths, werewolves are portrayed differently. Some are able to fully transform into wolves, like the werewolves in Twilight. Others have the ability to semi transform, like the wolves in Teen Wolf.
One of the most famous origins of Werewolves come from Greek Mythology when Zeus turned Lycaon, King of Arcadia, into a wolf. It's where the terminology of Lycanthrope derives from. Those are known as Lycans.
Authors, however, prefer more of a spiritual fable. Native Americans believe in channeling the spirit of the wolf. That's where the word Shape-shifter or Skin-walker comes from when a human body fully transforms into a wolf. Classically, werewolves are vulnerable to silver and wolfsbane plants (Aconitum or monkshood) but an author might choose to not use the weaknesses at all.
Nonetheless, all werewolves have super strength, lightning speed, incredible hearing, a killer sense of smell, telepathic abilities, and fast healing. This is a must for all classic werewolf books but they usually have normal longevity, like humans. However, in some books like Twilight Saga and Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole, werewolves are immortal. It usually depends on the author on what route they choose to with.
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Sometimes, authors will choose to build a world where being a werewolf is genetic. For example, Tyler Lockwood from The Vampire Diaries, written by L.J. Smith, had the werewolf gene that was passed down to him through generations. Others lean towards the idea of affiliation, a bite, or a scratch. Sam Roth from The Wolves of Mercy Falls, written by Maggie Stiefvater was bitten by a werewolf.
Interestingly, a feature those series have in common is that they are both set in small towns with vast areas of woodland around them. It allows the werewolves to shift and live in their wolf skin among the statuary of the woods while living a humble civilian life for the rest of the time.
A secluded environment allows the natural system of the Pack to thrive to the fullest. They'd have a packhouse where the Alpha would live, Beta living in close proximity. Each family would have their own houses and a self-sufficient tight-knit community. They may attend local high schools or colleges with humans but usually, it was forbidden to reveal their secret.
